Commercial Controls Winners Top Large Field

Taking environmental control to the next level, the large field of competitors in The NEWS’ eighth annual Dealer Design Awards’ Commercial Controls Including Building Automation category examined the aspects they already controlled and added enhancements that further define what true temperature control on a large scale really means. Not content to leave any area of the controls sector to chance, Jackson Systems LLC, Johnson Controls/PENN, and Johnson Controls introduced gold, silver, and bronze winning products, respectively.

Gold

GOLD WINNER

Jackson Systems LLC’s Wireless Zone One™ (WZ1™) damper assemblies are installed in the ductwork supplying an individual zone and are designed to prevent or eliminate overcooling and/or overheating of individual zones within a commercial building. The assemblies consist of the damper, control module and sensor, and a WZ1-T thermostat.

The WZ1-T thermostat is placed within the conditioned space to serve as an interface for the user and senses temperature within this space. It is battery powered and wirelessly communicates with the damper. The wireless thermostat allows the contractor to place the thermostat in the most convenient location within the space. There are also limits that can be set in the thermostat that allow contractors to keep the users within a prescribed range of temperature set points.

An automatic changeover duct sensor located on the damper senses whether there is warm air or cool air in the branch supply duct. If the WZ1-T is calling for cooling and the duct sensor determines there is cool air in the duct, the damper will power open; otherwise, the damper will remain closed. If it is calling for heating and the duct sensor determines there is warm air in the duct, the damper will power open; otherwise the damper will remain closed. The relay control module has LED indication to confirm mode of operation and damper position. This allows the user to select a comfortable set point on the thermostat. While the damper helps maintain the proper airflow for the set point selected, the HVAC unit is free to continue supplying conditioned air to the rest of the building.

The WZ1’s prime application is to solve overheating or overcooling of individual zones. If the user wants to also control the HVAC equipment and force cooling or heating on, contractors would only have to tie the dampers back into the Z-2000™ zone panel from Jackson Systems.

Silver

SILVER WINNER

Johnson Controls/PENN added new Reset Control Modules to the System 450 Modular Electronic Controls family. These modules provide temperature or humidity reset, real-time setback, and load balancing (equal run time) capability. Additionally, they provide Single-Pole, Double-Throw (SPDT) relay outputs and all of the other features offered with the standard System 450 control modules for temperature and humidity control. The family of products and their plug-together modular controls offers an unlimited number of applications that contractors can accurately monitor and control, according to the company. It also offers up to three inputs per reset control module; up to 10 stages of control, allowing for both simple and complex control systems; an adjustable reset set point based on outdoor temperature; and a backlit LCD that provides a quick, clear visual status of the control system’s sensor with the touch of a button.

Typical reset applications include temperature control for single stage or multi-stage boilers - up to 10 stages - with or without load balancing and humidity reset and temperature control for natatorium/swimming pool zones. The C450RxN-1 modules can be configured for custom application-specific control systems with reset control and/or real-time setback control for temperature and humidity applications.

Contractors can quickly and easily assemble, install, and upgrade a system using System 450, according to the company. Its durable, compact modular design, with plug-together connectors and DIN rail or direct wall mount capability, eliminates field wiring between modules.

“This is a great addition to this line,” said one relieved contractor. “It’s about time.”

Bronze

BRONZE WINNER

The new WRZ-STR0000-0 wireless sensor from Johnson Controls is designed to sense temperature in cold storage applications. The WRZ-STR0000 80mm x 120mm sensor transmitter includes a WRZ-PTR0000 temperature probe with a 9-foot wired lead. The sensor is encapsulated in a clear acrylic cylinder and can be mounted remotely from the transmitter. The acrylic cylinder acts as a buffer eliminating spikes in temperature variation due to a refrigerator door being opened. The wireless sensor leverages the Metasys system web-based platform to provide temperature information.

One of the contractor judges conveyed his excitement about this product when he said, “This greatly enhances the ability to monitor refrigeration systems.”

It has an LCD display that is configurable for Celsius or Fahrenheit and provides wireless strength status, wireless connection, and battery condition. The wireless transmitter is powered by two AA batteries and the typical battery life for the WRZ-STR0000 is five years. This product provides a wireless alternative to hardwired solutions. Adhesive tape is provided on the transmitter and sensor from the factory. No tools are required for mounting the product.